Westfield State University Launches New Pre-Med Concentration

Westfield State University is set to launch a new pre-med concentration this fall, a program designed to provide clear pathways for students pursuing careers in healthcare. Dr. Kelly Anne McKeown, Associate Professor of Biology since 2010, is at the forefront of this initiative along with Dave Christensen, Chair of the Biology Department, along with advisors Dr. Michelle Dufflemeyer, Assistant Professor of Health Sciences; Dr. Holly Noun, Professor of Sports Medicine and Human Performance; Dr. Melissa Roti, Professor of Sports Medicine and Human Performance; and Dr. Roderico Acevedo, Assistant Professor of Chemical and Physical Science.

Dr. McKeown, who primarily teaches anatomy, physiology, genetics, medical genetics, and human biology, also advises students interested in healthcare careers. Recognizing a need for a more structured approach, she has been instrumental in developing the University's Health Science program as the field is interdisciplinary by nature.

“I saw that they were kind of scrambling,” Dr. McKeown said, referring to students interested in healthcare. “There wasn’t a clear pathway for them, and some students just need that. Students do not need to take this for medical school by any means, but I think it provides a simple pathway for medical, dental, veterinary, and physician assistant school.”

The new pre-med concentration aims to simplify the academic journey for students by offering a clear and accessible pathway to the field of their choosing. Unlike traditional routes that require intensive coursework in organic chemistry or physics, the Health Science program focuses on providing the necessary prerequisites without overwhelming students with nonessential courses.

“You do not need to be a biology major to go to medical school,” Dr. McKeown elaborated. “You just need the prerequisites. For some students, it’s mentally taxing to figure out what courses they need to take, and it can be a heavy lift. Financially, it makes sense for them as well, so they don’t have to end up taking an extra year.”

Dr. McKeown emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, noting that fields like biology, ecology, and environmental science naturally intersect and benefit from diverse perspectives. She described the new concentration as a work in progress, with hopes for it to become increasingly interdisciplinary as it becomes more refined with time.

“It’s a work in progress,” Dr. McKeown commented. “I’m hoping it becomes very interdisciplinary because all of our students want to do the same thing, and it’s helpful to have people from different departments with their own point of view.”

Additionally, advising plays a crucial role in the development of this program, enabling students and faculty to create individualized academic pathways. Several advisors across varying disciplines at the University will be key in ensuring students remain guided along the process.

“Our students and school are different,” Dr. McKeown said, “and this concentration fits them in a way unique to Westfield State and the students looking to pursue various kinds of medical school.”

Further expressing her enthusiasm for the new concentration, Dr. McKeown added, “I’m excited for students to have clear pathways into various medical fields, and I’m also excited about the one-on-one peer advising structure. I think it’s a huge plus making sure that they get the proper experience and have that sense of community with their peers as well.”